A passenger aboard an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi triggered a security scare on Monday after he allegedly attempted to open the cockpit door mid-air. Airline officials and security sources confirmed that the man, identified as “Mr Mani,” mistook the cockpit door for the lavatory but incorrectly pressed the cockpit’s security code panel, setting off alerts.
Passenger claimed confusion over cockpit door
According to airline staff, the man told the crew he thought the cockpit door was the toilet door. “The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation,” Air India Express said in a statement.
The pilot, who was immediately alerted, refused to grant access to the door “fearing a hijack attempt,” and promptly notified the Air Traffic Control (ATC). Crew members acted swiftly and restrained the passenger.
Group of passengers taken into custody
Upon landing in Varanasi, Mr Mani and eight fellow passengers travelling in his group were handed over to Uttar Pradesh Police for questioning. Security officials confirmed that the passenger had indeed pressed the cockpit’s security code keypad, which prompted the heightened response.
He reportedly told officials he was flying for the first time and was unaware of the procedures. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also took charge of the matter as per protocol.
Airline reaffirms security protocols
Air India Express reiterated that safety systems were never compromised. “We reaffirm that robust safety and security protocols are in place and were not compromised. The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation,” the airline added.
Aviation safety experts noted that cockpit access systems are designed to immediately alert pilots of suspicious activity. In this case, the mechanism worked as intended.
Previous Air India security lapse
The incident comes just a day after a separate security lapse on an Air India London–Delhi flight. In that case, a passenger’s boarding pass was scanned for entry, but the traveller never boarded the aircraft and instead entered the arrivals area. The aircraft had already begun to push back before crew noticed the discrepancy, forcing a two-hour delay.
Conclusion
The Varanasi incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict cockpit security measures and alert crew response in preventing potential risks. Authorities are expected to question the group further before determining if any charges will be filed.